For those who love small streams, wild trout, and life...in their simplest form

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

December Day's

A December morning, the skies were so gray almost matching the color of the trees which stand to face what will soon become the harsh season know as winter. The morning was cold with a breeze that found it's way through several layers of clothing to my skin. I can usually warm some by walking along the stream but that day it did not work. I did my best to push the cold thoughts to the back of my mind, and try to put forth the thought of a wild trout coming from the beautiful stream I was fishing. This and a break or two of sun all be it short seemed to ease the cold. This is December angling.

The stream was pushing along, it's flow somewhat diminished from a lack of rain held some hope of a trout setting in a hole as the tail of a riffle. If not for the hemlock and pine all the colors would blend together as one.

Winter berries along the stream gave a eye pleasing look. Little things that so important to a December day.

Suddenly a trout takes your offering, it's will to get free put's a bend in the rod. Soon it is at hand and it is suddenly your cold hands and body are warm. As the fish swims back to a hiding place you feel truly what it's like to fish a December day.

AlanI stop fishing in the winter some years ago, but after reading this post I just might have to give the Sipsey Tailrace a try in January when we move back to Jasper. Beautiful brook, thanks for sharing

John V.ThanksJohn welcome.The wild trout be it brook or brown grow to a size the habitat will allow. Most of these streams are small, some you could jump across. Most of the fish are limited to about 6-8 inches, with a few going 10-12. All of them are hard fighters and do offer a challenge to those who seek them. Wild, nothing like it.

Yes it is Alan. Through the winter is prime grayling fishing and I have already had 3 productive trips out so far this season with fast and furious action to spiders (winter brown & waterhen bloa have been the top soft hackles) and dry flies (small klinkhammers and midge emergers the best dries), I don't like having to use heavy nymphs!!!!Alistair

Alan, you captured my feelings for winter very well. I absolutely adore being outside during the winter season. The hush of the environment as life slows down for the harsh season, the bite of the cold, and how that wears away as your body starts to move and warm very much appeal to me. My fishing does slow down, but it is replaced with walks in the woods with the dog, and potentially the flyrod.

Just a wonderful time of the year. As all seasons are. The best part of living in the North East with 4 very distinct seasons is each one is special, and I look forward to each and every one. As my mind and heart start to wander into the next season, it is probably close enough to start looking forward to it.

srtilisThanksYou have put if perfectly. The though of the next seasons joys and challenges are already working into my mind, and I look forward to seeing them come through to reality.Walks in winter are enjoyable, ones pace is picked up to help you keep warm, but still slow enough to observe your surroundings.

About Me

I have been fishing for more years that I want to say.
Fly fishing since the seventies.
I take the simple approach to fly fishing. Fly fishing need not be complicated.
Take the time to slow down on the water and look to the grand beauty out there in its most simple form.